You Too Can Control Cholesterol Through Your Diet

by Kathryn Whittaker -

Do you love to eat fatty foods? If so, then you could be a candidate for certain heart related problems. According to medical studies, the incidence of heart attacks and coronary artery disease is a result of an escalation of blood cholesterol levels. For that reason, people with cholesterol levels that are above the norm should protect themselves from suffering any form of degenerative disease by lowering their blood cholesterol. This can be realized by observing a low cholesterol diet, while at the same time engaging in moderate physical activities. If diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, there is also medication that can help in controlling cholesterol levels.

Having an excess of cholesterol in the blood is suggested by medical experts as the number one cause of hypertension, and heart disease. In general, the concept that cholesterol is harmful for the body is definitely a false impression. Cholesterol is an important component in our body’s complete metabolism. It functions as a vital substance in the formation of cell membranes and also is responsible in producing vitamin D and other significant hormones in the human body. However, an increase in cholesterol levels may damage our entire physical condition. For this reason, controlling cholesterol is important.

Most doctors tell their patients who suffer from high cholesterol to lower their cholesterol level. This can be achieved by following a diet that is low in fat. Watch out for foods that are high in cholesterol and fats; adding non-fat and low-fat foods to the diet also helps. Also one of the best solution in controlling cholesterol is through exercise. In some instances, your doctor may prescribe drugs that can also help lower cholesterol levels.

What kind of dietary practice should you adopt?

First and foremost, observing a diet that contains less fat and less cholesterol is the key for controlling cholesterol. Here are some tried-and-tested tips in maintaining a healthy heart:

1. Eat in moderation. Excess amounts of food can lead to an increase inweight.

2. Stay away from fatty foods.

3. Steer clear of sweets, especially pastries for they are identified as a principal source of saturated fats.

4. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals, which are cholesterol-lowering elements.

5. Boost your fiber intake. Fiber-rich foods are also known to lessen cholesterol in the blood.

6. Keeping active while on a low-cholesterol diet is also a contributory factor in controlling cholesterol.

7. For more effective tips in controlling cholesterol, seek advice from your physician. He or she may need to prescribe medications to lower your cholesterol.

Practicing healthful eating habits can greatly add to your overall fitness. And so, controlling cholesterol through diet really makes a difference to your whole wellbeing.

If you have high cholesterol, you should consult your primary care physician prior to making any changes in your diet or lifestyle.



Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health related subjects. To find out how you can lower high cholesterol please visit this Lowering Cholesterol site.

Article Source: http://www.articlestreet.com

Psoriasis and me

I often am bugged by this skin condition called psoriasis. I wont say I’m a sufferer, as I’m not suffering… as yet. But what is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. On me, it appears like I’ve got pimples, or sometimes lesions on my skin. If you see a red blotch on my face, it’s most likely psoriasis.

But it doesn’t only appear on my face. I’ve got it on my knuckles, toes, back, elbow. It may sound horrific.. like my whole body is covered in lesions. But actually it’s not. My condition is actually quite mild. Some people’s get really bad. That’s why they’re termed sufferers.

When psoriasis develops, patches of skin thicken, redden, and become covered with silvery scales. These patches are sometimes referred to as plaques. They may itch or burn. The skin at joints may crack. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. The disease also may affect the fingernails, toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia. About 10 percent of people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis. Thankfully, I have very mild ones, and not nearly as horrible as what’s written here. I think my condition is helped by the fact that the weather where I live is humid. We don’t live in dry weather. Plus I sweat a lot. So the skin is helped by being moist! Maybe I should suggest that to the medical people to counter effects of psoriasis! Sweat more! Haha. I say this not without reason. I did notice that the lesions would get worse if I’m exposed to cold dry air for too long. It just gets tight and dry, causing the skin to crack. Yup. It’s as painful as it sounds.

I’m still discovering more about it and the medical relief I can find. More to come about that next time.